Unemployment grows - Buy Irish to save jobs

YESTERDAY’S dreadful weather was entirely appropriate for the publication of unemployment figures.

Though no one expected any good news it is more than sobering to remind ourselves that, as we approach Christmas, 14.4% of the workforce are unemployed. This cold statistic hides great human tragedy. It hides too emigration figures we all know are keeping the figures at yesterday’s mark.

It is especially sad that more than half — 56.3% — of those without a job have been dependent on social welfare for more than a year.

Though we should not need reminding we should remember that every cent we spend this Christmas has the potential to reduce those chilling figures and create or sustain jobs never more precious.